Diversity and the arc of influence

Aotearoa New Zealand’s landscape is changing and will continue to do so. Statistics from Stats NZ reveal that in just two decades, ethnic minorities will make up more than 50 per cent of the population. To paint a picture, almost 20 per cent of New Zealanders will be a member of an Asian community, another 20 per cent will self-identify as Māori, with a further 11 to 12 per cent who will identify as Pasifika, according to research by Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley. 

To address the issue, the Institute of Directors held an event in Auckland putting cultural diversity front and centre, attended by more than 90 people. The panel discussion and audience Q&A focused on the role Pacific people play in governance, and why boards need to more closely reflect the makeup of Aotearoa as generations of Pasifika migrate up the economic value chain.

From a stakeholder perspective, this will require companies to engage with their current and future stakeholders in a way that is meaningful and culturally appropriate, ensuring there is an understanding of the different approaches to marketing and implementation to reach into the relevant communities. 

As a governor of Samoan descent, Vena Crawley, a member of IoD’s Pacific Advisory Group and Independent Director on public and private listed companies was a panelist at the event. He believes having Pacific peoples on boards is vital to ensuring Pasifika communities are factored into the equation as valuable stakeholders.

“Our attitudes and our values are different . . . there are other things that appeal to us, other than traditional markets and channels," he said of the research and knowledge required for boards and businesses to adapt their thinking to appeal to a rapidly changing demographic.

Crawley speaks five languages and grew up in Samoa. When his family first arrived in New Zealand his parents firmly instilled in him “the power of acculturation” - integration rather than assimilation, which would entail losing his cultural identity.

“Integration involves some tradeoffs, and it is not easy. It means figuring out which parts of your culture to hold on to and which aspects of the ‘host’ culture to integrate into your new identity,” said Crawley who has been able to leverage this in his board roles.

“We have to give up aspects of what makes us Pasifika, to better position how we fit into the changing face of governance,” he said.

Crawley spoke to a history of Pacific governance that is thousands of years old.  

“That will be important to New Zealand and valuable to governance,” said Crawley of a collectivist culture and a system that puts people and service at its centre.

Importantly, Pacific peoples need a presence on New Zealand boards to contribute to the health of Aotearoa’s businesses and the wider community. But there is still plenty of work to be done to make room for diversity on boards and there are no hard and fast rules. And those who don’t factor diversity into their board composition may miss out on vital opportunities. 

But while research points to cultural diversity on boards as a ‘robust commercial multiplier’ the reality of being the only ethnic voice at the table can be very isolating. So, what happens when your contribution and different way of seeing and experiencing the world falls on deaf ears?

Crawley refers to the process of governance as ‘working alongside people, for people’ and reinforced the importance of speaking up and “finding ways to have your contributions heard”. 

“Advocacy is about understanding your business and your customer… you can still be the protagonist and be led by data as a backup,” he said. 

Speaking directly to the audience, Crawley offered some empowering words of advice for future governors: “The craft of what you have to learn is the arc of influence. Use it as your superpower and let your light shine, so they can see and hear you,” Crawley said. 

For further reading, check out an interview with Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley who also spoke at the event.